Myers takes city council seriously

Wednesday

Dec 26, 2012 at 11:34 AMDec 26, 2012 at 12:01 PM

Lois Westermeyer

Curt Myers has spent seven years on the Pontiac City Council, first by appointment and then by election, and he is hoping to spend more time helping the city grow.A private attorney for 39 years in Pontiac, Myers represents residents in the city’s Fourth Ward, a responsibility he does not take lightly.“I have a real concern for the lack of outdoor programs for city children, we’ve made some strides, but I want to see more done,” Myers said. “There are a lot of things going on now in Pontiac that I want to see carried on.”Myers was appointed to the council by former mayor Scott McCoy when fellow board member Bill Kallas moved out of the Fourth Ward. Myers, a Republican, then won election to the seat in 2009. He is facing a challenge for the seat by Democrat Jim Williams in the April 16 election.“When the city closed the Camp-Humiston Pool in Chautauqua Park I thought it created a big void,” that the city has yet to fill, Myers said. He noted that a group is working with the city on bringing back an outdoor pool, but said there is still more to do for children.“We have the skate board park and disc golf now and we’re trying to get an outdoor swimming pool, it’s the youth we need to keep active and engaged.”He noted the programs offered through Junior Baseball and Football leagues, as well as the youth wrestling, swimming, soccer and basketball programs offered through local organizations help toward that goal of giving children something to do outside of the home involving physical activity.Myers said another big concern is the economy, but he credits the city administration for keeping ahead of the problem.“The economy is on all our minds. I think the city has been on the ball to develop this into a tourist community and we have lots of attractions for bringing them here, but now we need to give them something to do once they are here,” he said.The alderman added that he is proud of the accomplishments the city has made on opening the various museums that showcase a wide variety of interests. “The museums are great, they bring people here whether they are Route 66 or old car enthusiasts. Now we need to provide more to keep them staying longer, more to do once they are here.“That is what I hope to keep working on if I’m elected to another term.”Myers is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and has served on the boards of numerous community organizations, including the Salvation Army and Pontiac Area Chamber of Commerce, serving as president of the Chamber board in 1978. He was also one of the original directors for the Institute for Human Resources and served on that board for 25 years.In addition to the City Council, Myers is also serving on the Pontiac Public Library Board. He is currently serving a one-year term as president of the library board.He has also been involved with the Pontiac Wrestling Club and with the youth soccer program at the Livingston County Boys and Girls Club.Myers has practiced law in Pontiac for his entire career and his office is located at 222 W, Madison St.Myers and his wife, Sharon, have six grown children between them and they have four grandchildren in the area.